Pretty much everyone is talking about Notre Dame's Manti Te'O and his fake girlfriend. But this kind of stuff happens all the time to people meeting and attempting to form relationships on the internet. MTV has a show called Catfish, which is based solely on people making up fake identities and other people falling for them. Here are some tips, for those of you who are trying your hand at internet dating to help spot an online phony and not get sidelined like Te'O:

• Ask them to Skype or video chat: If the person is reluctant, chances are they are hiding something.

• Use your internet resources: Search for the person you are talking to. Search photos, Facebook, Google and Instagram – and always be wary if they are a model or some extraordinary profession.

• Be wary if they have a small number of friends on Facebook: This is an indication that they may be using a dummy account.

• Don't ever agree to meet anyone without a friend coming along: It's always safer if someone goes with you. No matter how long you have been talking to someone, they are still a stranger!

(HLNTV)